Federal Textbook on Citizenship. Our Constitution and Government: Lessons on the Constitution and Government of the United States for Use in the Public Schools by Candidates for Citizenship. Simplified Edition.

Hervey, John G.

This aid to citizen preparation of candidates with a limited educational background, designed for use in public school citizenship class or home study situation, explains the fundamental principles of a democratic system of government in simple terms and concepts. An effort i s made to use concepts that the immigrant can relate to, such as the social contract and delegation of authority by the people as supported by the Constitution, to help the student understand and appreciate representative government. A short historical account of why and how the United States grew from an English colony into a Federal government is presented along with an explanation of how the failure of the Articles of Confederation lead to creation of the Constitution. Workings of the Constitution are explained in detail with a full description of the checks and balances of Legislative, Executive, and Judical government. Purpose and organization of federal, local, and state government are given as well as interrelationships between the three basic levels of government. Each chapter begins with a quotation from a famous American and ends with a suggested list of discussion questions and study activities. The Declaration of Independence and Constitution are included, as well as a glossary and eighteen illustrations and diagrams. Related documents are SO 001 990, and SO 001 991. (SJM)